# Calendly vs. Microsoft Bookings: Detailed Features and Cost Comparison 2025 | Capterra > Calendly vs. Microsoft Bookings: Which appointment scheduling tool is right for you? Dive into our detailed comparison of their features, costs, and user experience to make your decision. Source: https://www.capterra.com/compare/148036-176567/Calendly-vs-Bookings --- # Calendly vs. Microsoft Bookings: Features and Cost Comparison Last updated on July 10, 2025 Written by [Barkha Bali](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/bbali/) Writer Edited by [Parul Sharma](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/parul-sharma/) Editor Capterra offers objective, independent research and verified user reviews. We may earn a referral fee when you visit a vendor through our links. Independent research methodology Capterra’s researchers use a mix of verified reviews, independent research and objective methodologies to bring you selection and ranking information you can trust. 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Sponsored profiles include a link-out icon that takes users to the provider’s website. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-we-ensure-transparency/) [Calendly](https://www.capterra.com/p/148036/Calendly/) and [Microsoft Bookings](https://www.capterra.com/p/176567/Bookings/) are two highly rated [appointment scheduling software](https://www.capterra.com/appointment-scheduling-software/) programs that help streamline the process of scheduling meetings, appointments, and events. These software solutions can automate many aspects of scheduling, saving time and reducing administrative burden. While both tools include core appointment scheduling features–confirmations/reminders and online bookings—they differ in some ways that may influence your decision. For instance, Microsoft Bookings is available as part of the Microsoft 365 suite, while Calendly is a standalone appointment scheduling solution. In this comparison, we’ll explore the **differences in features**, **integrations**, **user experiences**, and **pricing options** to help you identify the best fit for your workflows. Before diving deeper, here’s a quick overview of the key distinctions between Calendly and Microsoft Bookings: [Calendly](https://www.capterra.com/p/148036/Calendly/)[4.7 (4090)](https://www.capterra.com/p/148036/Calendly/reviews/) VS [Microsoft Bookings](https://www.capterra.com/p/176567/Bookings/)[4.4 (162)](https://www.capterra.com/p/176567/Bookings/reviews/) $10.00 Per User, per month Starting price $6.00 Per User, per month 108 integrations Integrations 3 integrations Integrations in basic plans Free plan Yes Free plan storage No Android, IOS Mobile apps Android, IOS 14 days Free trial 1 month [4.7 (4,090)](https://www.capterra.com/p/148036/Calendly/reviews/) Overall rating [4.4 (162)](https://www.capterra.com/p/176567/Bookings/reviews/) ## Features comparison Choosing the right scheduling platform can significantly impact team efficiency and productivity. Let’s delve into the key features highlighted by our reviewers to compare how Calendly and Microsoft Bookings perform in these vital areas.[\[1\]](#footnotes) Key features rated by users Features selected based on 17,029 reviews from appointment scheduling software users. about the Fit Score methodology. Fit Score methodology To calculate the Fit Score, our proprietary methodology factors in the following: - The importance level for each feature. By default, this is determined by user reviews. They can rate a feature Critical, High, Low, or Not Used. - Feedback from real users on how the product performs for each key feature, derived from verified user reviews and ratings. Please note: - To calculate the Fit Score, the number of reviews for those features and the actual rating carry the same weight. You might see that, in some cases, even though the ratings are the same, we still determine a winner because it had more reviews. - If the Fit Score is not shown for a specific product, that only means there are currently not enough relevant data points to develop a meaningful score. It does not indicate that the product should be excluded from further evaluation. Calendly 86%Fit High performer Feature ratings Confirmations/Reminders 4.7 Online Booking 4.8 Calendar Management 4.7 Appointment Management 4.8 Microsoft Bookings 72%Fit Feature ratings Confirmations/Reminders 4.7 Online Booking 4.5 Calendar Management 4.5 Appointment Management 4.7 Confirmations/Reminders 4.7 (1,196) 4.7 (50) **Both Calendly and Microsoft Bookings offer appointment confirmations and reminders to keep participants informed and reduce no-shows.** **Calendly** lets you automate routine communications, such as reminders, confirmations, and follow-ups. These can be sent via email or text, both before and after meetings, enhancing the experience for invitees and reducing the risk of missed appointments. You can personalize and apply messages across all event types, ensuring consistent, professional, and respectful communication tailored to your brand or personal style. Similarly, **Microsoft Bookings** sends appointment confirmations and reminders via email and text. While it ensures attendees are updated, its personalization options may be more limited than Calendly's. However, its integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, including Outlook and Teams, makes it a strong choice for businesses already using these tools, as it provides a centralized platform for scheduling and communication. Online Booking 4.8 (1,481) 4.5 (75) **While both Calendly and Microsoft Bookings offer online appointment booking capabilities, Calendly provides a more comprehensive and specialized experience.** With **Calendly**, you can create unlimited bookings, including one-on-one events, group events, collective events, and round-robin scheduling. These options provide flexibility, enabling you to manage individual meetings, team collaborations, and equitable meeting distribution among your team members. You can customize your booking links to reflect your branding or personal preferences, making the booking experience more cohesive. For those managing team schedules, Calendly offers event-type permissions that allow you to book meetings on behalf of others, ensuring that team availability and preferences are respected. On the other hand, **Microsoft Bookings** focuses on delivering a tailored scheduling experience through customizable appointment details and booking requirements. Its standout feature is its integration with Microsoft Teams, automatically generating virtual meeting links for all scheduled appointments. This integration ensures a smooth transition from booking to meeting and simplifies virtual collaboration. Additionally, Microsoft Bookings supports the management of multiple calendars, allowing different departments or teams to maintain their unique scheduling needs within a single platform. Calendar Management 4.7 (1,158) 4.5 (45) **Both Calendly and Microsoft Bookings offer robust calendar management tools to streamline scheduling and reduce administrative overhead.** With **Calendly**, you can connect up to six calendars, including Google and Microsoft Calendars, to automate scheduling based on real-time availability. This feature ensures invitees are always informed about your free time. Calendly provides detailed availability settings such as scheduling rules, pre-defined preferences, and buffer times before or after meetings to protect your time. You can also set caps on the number of meetings to maintain better control over your schedule. Its advanced time zone detection automatically adjusts for the invitee's location, eliminating manual calculations and simplifying coordination across different time zones. **Microsoft Bookings** integrates with Microsoft 365 calendars, preventing double bookings and making it simple for customers to find suitable time slots. Its deep integration with Microsoft Teams allows you to manage calendars, assign staff, and handle appointments directly within the Teams environment. Bookings also supports multiple calendars, each customizable with unique settings, staff assignments, and appointment types. This flexibility suits businesses with diverse departments or complex scheduling requirements. Additionally, you can allow customers to reschedule or cancel appointments online, reducing the administrative workload on your staff and enhancing user convenience. You can directly input appointment details for manual bookings, and the system will automatically send confirmations and reminders to clients. Appointment Management 4.8 (727) 4.7 (32) **Both Calendly and Microsoft Bookings offer appointment management capabilities.** **Calendly** simplifies appointment management by allowing you to create highly customizable booking options. You can set specific availability windows, add buffer times between meetings, and define meeting durations. It supports various meeting types, such as one-on-one, group sessions, or round-robin scheduling for teams, ensuring flexibility for individual or collective bookings. Calendly also provides automated reminders and follow-ups via email or SMS to reduce no-shows. Integration with popular calendars, such as Google Calendar, Outlook, and Apple Calendar, ensures appointments are automatically updated, preventing double bookings. Advanced features include workflow automation for pre- and post-meeting tasks and payment collection via Stripe or PayPal for paid consultations. **Microsoft Bookings** enables you to define services, assign staff members, and set working hours. You can use a branded booking page to schedule appointments, selecting their preferred service, staff member, and time slot. Bookings are automatically synchronized with Microsoft Outlook calendars, ensuring real-time updates and minimizing scheduling conflicts. Microsoft Bookings also includes automated reminders and confirmations to improve attendance rates. A shared team calendar allows businesses to manage staff availability, and the system supports assigning appointments based on staff skills or roles. Additionally, Microsoft Bookings offers analytics to track appointment trends and optimize operations. ## Integrations comparison Popular Integrations Compare available integrations between Calendly and Microsoft Bookings. ### Microsoft 365 Calendly Microsoft Bookings ### Microsoft Outlook Calendly Microsoft Bookings ### Microsoft Teams Calendly Microsoft Bookings ### Stripe Calendly Microsoft Bookings ### GoTo Meeting Calendly Microsoft Bookings ### Salesforce Sales Cloud Calendly Microsoft Bookings ### PayPal Calendly Microsoft Bookings ### Google Calendar Calendly Microsoft Bookings **Calendly** supports 100+ integrations with software solutions across different categories, including sales and customer relationship management (CRM), video conferencing, marketing, recruiting, payments, analytics, and email messaging. It connects with major calendar platforms, such as Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and Apple Calendar, to ensure real-time updates and prevent double bookings.  Calendly integrates with popular conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, and Google Meet for virtual meetings. Additionally, it connects with productivity tools, including Slack, Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zapier, enabling users to automate workflows and streamline client communication. The software also supports payment processing through Stripe and PayPal, making it suitable for service-based professionals who need to collect fees during appointment scheduling. Advanced API capabilities allow developers to create custom integrations, making it a flexible option for businesses with unique needs. **Microsoft Bookings** is embedded in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, which makes it a natural choice for businesses already using Microsoft tools. It integrates natively with Microsoft Outlook for real-time calendar synchronization and Microsoft Teams for virtual meetings, ensuring seamless internal and external scheduling. While its integration options are more limited than Calendly's, it can connect to third-party tools through Microsoft Power Automate. This allows businesses to build workflows that link Bookings with external platforms–CRMs or payment processors, though these require additional setup. ## Pricing comparison ### Starting prices Calendly $10.00 Per User, Per Month (Per Month) Free Trial Free Version [View pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/148036/Calendly/pricing/) Microsoft Bookings $6.00 Per User, Per Month (Per Month) Free Trial Free Version [View pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/176567/Bookings/pricing/) **Calendly** offers a free version suitable for individuals starting with basic scheduling. This free version includes the ability to schedule unlimited one-on-one meetings and one event type, connect one of your calendars, integrate video conferencing, and send confirmation emails. In contrast, Microsoft Bookings is available as part of the Microsoft 365 suite, which doesn’t have a free plan. Nonetheless, both tools offer **free trials** to help you evaluate their features. Calendly has a 14-day trial, while Microsoft Bookings offers a 1-month trial. These trials allow you to explore core functionalities, test integrations with other applications, assess usability, and determine if the platform meets your needs before purchasing. When it comes to pricing, **the basic Calendly plan costs $10 per seat per month** when billed annually or $12 per seat per month (billed monthly). In comparison, for businesses, **Microsoft 365’s basic plan, which includes Microsoft Bookings, costs $6 per user per month** when billed annually and $7.20 per user per month (billed monthly).  Microsoft 365 is potentially more cost-effective for businesses seeking an all-in-one solution. Whereas, Calendly is a specialized tool for scheduling and may provide advanced features specific to appointment management that Microsoft Bookings might not. Here’s a detailed comparison between the pricing plans of the two solutions. ### Calendly pricing Calendly has four pricing plans–Free, Standard, Teams, and Enterprise. The **Free-forever plan** lets you create one event type and unlimited 1-1 meetings, making it suitable for individuals starting out with basic scheduling. The **Standard plan** costs $10 per user per month when billed annually and $12 per user per month when billed monthly. This plan includes everything in the free plan plus unlimited event types, multiple calendar integration, 24/7 support, and automation.  Calendly’s **Teams plan** costs $16 per user per month (billed annually) and $20 per user per month (billed monthly). This plan is suitable for teams seeking advanced features such as reporting, meeting distribution, and automation. If you want more security and admin controls, you can choose the **Enterprise plan** starting at $15,000 per year. You can talk to Calendly’s sales team to learn more about this customizable plan. ### Microsoft Bookings pricing Since Microsoft Bookings is available as a part of the Microsoft 365 suite with other productivity tools, such as Teams, Excel, and OneDrive, we’ll discuss the different pricing options under Microsoft 365.  Microsoft 365 for Business offers four different plans—Basic, Standard, Premium, and Apps for Business. The **Basic plan** costs $6 per user per month (billed annually) and $7.20 per user per month (billed monthly), while the **Standard plan** costs $12.50 per user per month (billed annually) and $15 per user per month (billed monthly).  If you want premium features, you can choose the **Premium plan** at $22 per user per month when billed annually and $26.40 per user per month (billed monthly). You also have the **Apps for Business plan** at $8.25 per user per month when billed annually and $9.90 per user per month (billed monthly). ### Value-for-money analysis 4.5 (4,090) 4.4 (162) Based on an analysis of over **4,032 verified software reviews** on Capterra as of Jan. 16, 2025, Calendly has a slightly higher value-for-money rating than Microsoft Bookings, scoring **4.5** out of 5 compared to Microsoft Bookings' **4.3** out of 5. This suggests that users generally perceive Calendly as offering better value for its price. **This perception is likely influenced by Calendly's more flexible pricing structure.** Calendly offers a free plan with basic features, catering to individuals and small businesses. In contrast, Microsoft Bookings is typically bundled within the Microsoft 365 suite, requiring users to purchase a potentially more expensive package than they may need solely for scheduling purposes. While Microsoft 365 offers a comprehensive suite of productivity tools, this bundled approach can increase the overall cost for businesses primarily interested in scheduling functionalities. ## How does the user experience compare on Calendly vs. Microsoft Bookings?  ### Overall rating 4.7 (4,090) 4.4 (162) We looked at the overall ratings of Calendly and Microsoft Bookings, and, as of the time of analysis, **Calendly has a slightly higher overall rating (4.7/5) than Microsoft Bookings (4.4/5)**. But to get the full picture, let’s look at how users rate other aspects of the user experience for each of the tools: ### User interface Calendly Microsoft Bookings While both Calendly and Microsoft Bookings are recognized for having user-friendly interfaces, Microsoft Bookings appears to have an edge. Our data indicates that **Calendly received** **86% positive reviews for its interface, compared to Microsoft Bookings’ 71%**. Verified **Calendly** users on Capterra highlight how easy it is to set up and navigate, making scheduling meetings and appointments straightforward. The interface's integration with popular calendar systems, including Google Calendar and Outlook, is frequently mentioned as a significant advantage, streamlining the scheduling process and reducing the risk of double bookings. Users also value the customizable options available, allowing them to tailor the interface to their specific needs, and the automated reminders and notifications that help reduce no-shows. Conversely, reviewers have mixed opinions about **Microsoft Bookings’** user interface. Many users highlight that the booking interface is intuitive and simplifies appointment management, making the booking process straightforward. However, some users reported concerns about the API, which is in beta and subject to changes without warning. This can complicate the scheduling process for those trying to use the system without relying on the Microsoft UI. ### Learning curve for new users **Our user review analysis indicates that Calendly received 84% positive reviews for its learning curve, compared to Microsoft Bookings’ 50%.** **Calendly** users appreciate the clear instructions and tutorials available, which help them navigate the software without much difficulty. The intuitive interface and straightforward design contribute to a positive learning experience, making it accessible even for beginners. Many users mention that they can get started with minimal training and find the software easy to integrate into their daily routines. However, a few reviewers note that the platform can be tricky to figure out at first, especially when it comes to customizing templates and syncing calendars.  Reviewers generally find **Microsoft Bookings** to have a manageable learning curve. Many users appreciate its ease of use, which simplifies organizing tutorials and scheduling appointments. However, some users find the initial experience with Microsoft Bookings to be intimidating, especially if they have not received adequate training or have not utilized available tutorials. This suggests that while the software is user-friendly for many, a brief or insufficient introduction can lead to a steeper learning curve for some individuals. ### Customer service and support **Of the 86 Calendly reviews mentioning customer service and support, 51% expressed positive sentiments.** In contrast, while the volume of reviews mentioning Microsoft Bookings' customer service and support is very low, the overall sentiment observed in these reviews is also positive. Many users appreciate the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team. They highlight instances where support representatives went above and beyond, such as connecting via Zoom to resolve issues or providing quick and friendly assistance with technical problems, such as time zone settings and 12/24-hour switches. Users also mention that the support team is invested in ensuring they understand the tool, which contributes to the success of their business. Some users report difficulties in reaching customer support, particularly those on lower-tier plans, which can delay issue resolution. Users appreciate Microsoft Bookings' customer support, noting that it is effective in managing and resolving issues. They find the customer service to be prompt and helpful in addressing their concerns. Many users also highly appreciate the availability of calls, chat, help centers, tutorials, and webinars. Calendly Email/Help Desk FAQs/Forum Knowledge Base Phone Support 24/7 (Live rep) Chat Microsoft Bookings Email/Help Desk FAQs/Forum Knowledge Base Phone Support 24/7 (Live rep) Chat ### Security and reliability **Of the 33 Calendly reviews mentioning security and reliability, 68% expressed positive sentiments.** In contrast, while the volume of reviews mentioning Microsoft Bookings' security and reliability is very low, the overall sentiment observed in these reviews is also positive. Many **Calendly** users appreciate the ability to share secure links for scheduling, which integrates with other calendars. They highlight that Calendly employs high-end security tools to keep schedules and personal data safe and private. Users also value the platform's data protection functions, which ensure that their information remains secure. The integration with Outlook Office 365 without needing a separate password is another feature that users find convenient and secure. Additionally, the platform's reminders and alerts are praised for their reliability, making it a dependable tool for managing appointments. However, some users experience issues with security and reliability. The use of external links can sometimes trigger spam blockers, causing emails to be missed. Occasional outages and integration issues with Zoom have also been reported, leading to downtime and errors. Users appreciate the security and reliability of **Microsoft Bookings**, particularly because it integrates with the Microsoft 365 platform, ensuring that bookings and calendar data are securely stored. The software's compliance with organizational privacy policies is another significant advantage, making it a preferred choice over some free alternatives. The security features of the Microsoft suite are a crucial factor for users, providing peace of mind and professional credibility. ## What users say about the pros and cons of Calendly vs. Microsoft Bookings We analyzed verified user reviews for Calendly and Microsoft Bookings to identify pros and cons related to key appointment scheduling features such as meeting scheduling, calendar management, and link sharing. Calendly is appreciated for its booking management, calendar synchronization, and integration features. However, some users find its cost to be higher than other appointment scheduling tools with a steep learning curve. Microsoft Bookings users like how it improves appointment scheduling and offers cost-effective pricing. However, many users encountered issues with Microsoft Bookings’s setup process, limited customizations, and website page integration. Let’s take a closer look at what the users of each software like about it and what they think can be improved.[\[2\]](#footnotes) Appointment scheduling Calendly - **Pros:** Users appreciate how Calendly helps them manage their schedules by providing clear options for booking appointments. The integration with calendar apps ensures no double booking, and users can customize appointment types and durations. The tool also supports round-robin scheduling and automated reminders, making it easy to handle a high volume of appointments. Users appreciate the ability to reschedule or cancel appointments without direct contact, streamlining the process and saving time. - **Cons:** Users dislike the free version, claiming it has significant limitations, such as the inability to accept payments or access group scheduling. They also mention the high cost of upgrading to access advanced features, which can be a drawback for smaller teams or businesses with budget constraints. Here are some user review excerpts about Calendly's appointment scheduling features: CHARLES BOAMPONG K Software EngineerComputer Software, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Calendly streamlines the scheduling process, saving time for both organizers and participants.“ EC Elise C Podcast Manager Broadcast Media, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “It can be kind of confusing trying to figure out how to get it to show the availability you want to make sure you have time between each appointment “ Microsoft Bookings - **Pros:**  Users appreciate the ease and efficiency of scheduling appointments with Microsoft Bookings. The integration with Outlook and Teams allows for seamless calendar management, making it simple to book, reschedule, and set reminders. Customers can book appointments directly, reducing the need for back-and-forth communication. The tool is intuitive, easy to use, and helps in managing multiple appointments across different locations and time zones. - **Cons:** Users criticize the user interface design of Microsoft Bookings as unintuitive and difficult to navigate. Some reviewers initially struggled to understand the interface, and overall, the design is considered subpar. The interface does not seem to be designed with user-friendliness in mind, leading to a less satisfactory experience. Here are some user review excerpts about Microsoft Bookings's appointment scheduling features: Claudia P Chat moderator and ConsultantPublic Relations and Communications, 501 - 1,000 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “It's really accurate and easy to use, I can post my availability and the client can book the appointment. Really amazing.“ Ben L Instructor in JournalismHigher Education, 1,001 - 5,000 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “There is no good way to manage your booking page through Outlook itself - you must do everything through the web app.“ Calendar management Calendly - **Pros:** Users appreciate that Calendly automatically syncs appointments with major calendar apps, including Google Calendar, Outlook, and iCloud. This feature helps prevent double bookings and keeps users' schedules up-to-date. Users also like the integration, which simplifies the process of finding mutually convenient meeting times and reduces no-shows with automated reminders. The ability to connect multiple calendars, including personal and business ones, is also highlighted as a significant advantage. - **Cons:** Users have noted several areas for improvement in Calendly's calendar management feature. One common concern is the occasional failure of appointments to sync properly, resulting in missed entries in the calendar. Other drawbacks include limited customization options in the free version, which restricts flexibility for users with specific needs. Some users also experience challenges with handling complex event types, as the platform may not always accommodate them seamlessly. Here are some user review excerpts about Calendly's calendar management features: MT Maria T Pagne PRPublic Relations and Communications, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “The standout feature is definitely how user-friendly it is! This makes the appointment scheduling process simple for both myself and my clients. “ EH Eran H Senior Account ManagerFinancial Services, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “a few potential drawbacks or areas for improvement in Calendly, including limited customization in the free version, occasional synchronization issues, complexity in handling certain event types, dependency on a stable internet connection, and a desire for more flexibility in hiding specific events on their calendars. “ Microsoft Bookings - **Pros:** Users appreciate the ease and simplicity of Microsoft Bookings's calendar management. Its programmable features and integration with email and calendar systems, such as Outlook, make it an efficient tool for saving time and boosting productivity in real time. The integration allows users to customize their setup fully, creating a smooth and user-friendly experience for both event creators and clients. - **Cons:** Some users encounter occasional issues that hinder the overall experience. These include random changes to event links, requiring additional time to identify and fix. Users also report needing multiple attempts to save changes, which can be frustrating. Additionally, formatting inconsistencies in calendar event details can disrupt the professional appearance of scheduled events. Here are some user review excerpts about Microsoft Bookings's calendar management features: SF Sherwin F Landlord Engagement LeadNon-Profit Organization Management, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “I loved how it synced my availability directly from my calendar to avoid double bookings. “ CH Chris H Systems EngineerInformation Technology and Services, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “I find random issues where the links change for some reason, it takes a few times to save changes, and formatting in the calendar event details gets funky“ Reminders/notifications Calendly - **Pros:** Users appreciate the ease of setting up automated reminders that reduce the stress and hassle of fixing and remembering appointments. Many users praise how the system ensures they and their clients are well-prepared by sending timely reminders and meeting links. These features contribute significantly to efficient communication and collaboration, making it easier for businesses and clients to stay organized and maintain a professional impression. - **Cons:** Some users express frustration that Calendly does not provide a direct reminder when a meeting is due, relying instead on synced email or text notifications. While these notifications are effective for alerting users about scheduled meetings, the lack of an explicit, built-in "meeting due" reminder can lead to potential oversights. Here are some user review excerpts about Calendly's reminders/notifications features: Vb Vinutha b AnalystBanking, 501 - 1,000 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Calendly helps in accurate appointments reminders without any miss or delay “ SR Sunita R Product Marketing ManagerRetail, 10,001+ employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “That it doesnt remind you when a meeting is due. “ Microsoft Bookings - **Pros:** Users appreciate the seamless integration with their calendars. Bookings and cancellations are automatically reflected, ensuring the availability of time slots for others and reducing scheduling conflicts. The feature streamlines the scheduling process, making it easier for users and clients to manage appointments. - **Cons:** Users are dissatisfied that text reminders, a critical feature for many, are not included in the Business 365 plan, limiting accessibility. Some users find the process labor-intensive due to the lack of options, such as voice notes, for speeding up manual inputs. Here are some user review excerpts about Microsoft Bookings's reminders/notifications feature: Stefano G Head of Enterprise Architecture Financial Services, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Easy to setup, deploy and use. Allow to manage people and resources and give the right profiling to manage the environment“ AK Avash K RAHealth, Wellness and Fitness, 10,001+ employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “I wish it automatically created teams meeting once the booking is done (similar to calendly), but it doesn't. I also wish we could customize the booking link to match the theme of our website. Other than this, there aren't many cons of Microsoft Bookings.“ ## Conclusion: Which tool is right for you? Both Calendly and Microsoft Bookings offer extensive features to streamline appointment management workflows. However, the right tool for you depends on your team’s requirements. Both tools provide free trials that you can leverage to explore their core features and assess alignment with your specific processes. Additionally, Calendly stands out with its free version for individuals and smaller teams, making it particularly appealing to small business owners and startups with limited budgets. The basic Calendly plan costs $10 per seat per month when billed annually or $12 per seat per month (billed monthly). On the other hand, for businesses, Microsoft 365’s basic plan, which includes Microsoft Bookings, costs $6 per user per month when billed annually and $7.20 per user per month (billed monthly).  ### Who is Calendly best for? Calendly is a viable option for businesses seeking a dedicated appointment scheduling tool. Its free-forever plan is particularly suited for small teams and freelancers who need a simple way to coordinate client meetings, interviews, or collaborative sessions. The platform excels for remote or global teams by integrating seamlessly with widely-used calendar apps, such as Google Calendar and Outlook, enabling easy management of appointments across time zones. Key features such as customizable availability, automated reminders, and conflict prevention streamline scheduling processes, saving valuable time and effort. ### Who is Microsoft Bookings best for? Microsoft Bookings is available under the Microsoft 365 business management suite. Therefore, it is a good option for those who are already using Microsoft Office or those who want to opt for a productivity suite with appointment scheduling features. It integrates well with Outlook, Teams, and Excel, making it ideal for organizations that depend on these tools for daily operations. With advanced security and compliance measures inherited from the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, Bookings offers peace of mind for businesses handling sensitive information. Combining appointment scheduling with broader productivity tools provides a cohesive solution for streamlining workflows in a secure and efficient environment. ## FAQs Does Microsoft Bookings work like Calendly? Microsoft Bookings and Calendly share similarities as appointment scheduling tools, but they cater to different needs. While both allow users to set availability, automate bookings, and integrate with calendars, Microsoft Bookings is deeply embedded in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, making it ideal for businesses already using Outlook, Teams, and other Office tools. Calendly, on the other hand, focuses solely on scheduling and appointment management and offers broader integrations, making it more flexible for teams using diverse software. Why is Calendly better than Bookings? Our analysis of verified user reviews shows that Calendly has a better overall rating (4.7/5) than Microsoft Bookings (4.4/5). Calendly is also often considered better for its ease of use, wide range of integrations, and dedicated focus on scheduling. Unlike Microsoft Bookings, it is platform-agnostic, working with Google Calendar, Outlook, Salesforce, Zoom, and other tools. Calendly also offers more advanced scheduling features, such as round-robin events for teams and detailed workflow automation, which are not as robust in Bookings. What are the limitations of MS Bookings? Microsoft Bookings has some limitations, including its dependency on the Microsoft 365 suite, which may not suit businesses using alternative tools. Its interface, while functional, may feel less intuitive compared to competitors. Additionally, customization options for branding and booking forms are limited, and its feature set might not cater to businesses requiring advanced scheduling workflows or external integrations beyond the Microsoft ecosystem. Is Microsoft Bookings free with Office 365? Microsoft Bookings is included in most Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise plans at no additional cost. However, the availability may depend on your subscription tier. What is Calendly's maximum number of bookings? Calendly does not impose a strict limit on bookings. However, the features and capacity for managing multiple event types and integrations may depend on your subscription tier. For instance, the free plan supports one active event type, while premium plans offer unlimited event types, group events, and team scheduling options. This makes it scalable for businesses of any size. **Sources** 1. Our research team identified features from vendor websites (as of Jan. 16, 2025) based on their analysis of what users find valuable or expect from appointment scheduling software. This list is not exhaustive. For additional features, refer to the vendor’s website. 2. Review excerpts are passages extracted from longer reviews written by verified reviewers. We obtain these excerpts by applying an algorithm that considers factors including, but not limited to, length, topic coverage, and thematic relevance. Excerpts are evaluated for positive or negative sentiment and receive a sentiment score. They represent user opinion and do not represent the views of, nor constitute, an endorsement by Capterra or its affiliates. Excerpts are not edited for clarity or grammar. * * * [Barkha Bali](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/bbali/) Barkha Bali is a writer at Capterra, providing expert insights to help small businesses identify the right software for their needs by analyzing user reviews data for the highest rated products in relevant software categories. She has worked in finance, lifestyle, education, and medical. With expertise in marketing and content strategy, Barkha’s work has been featured in Medium and educational websites. When not working, she can be found re-watching “The Office” or “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” [Parul Sharma](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/parul-sharma/) Parul Sharma is a content editor at Capterra with expertise in curating content for various niches, including SaaS, digital marketing, and search engine optimization. With over half a decade of experience in content writing and editing, Parul has the expertise to simplify complex terms into engaging, valuable content for targeted audiences. She completed her graduation and post-graduation in English literature from Delhi University and was awarded the Dr. Asha Sahni Memorial Award for being the... * * * Related reading Table of Contents - [Features comparison](#features-comparison) - [Integrations comparison](#integrations-comparison) - [Pricing comparison](#pricing-comparison) - [How does the user experience compare on Calendly vs. Microsoft Bookings?](#how-does-the-user-experience-compare-on-calendly-vs-microsoft-bookings)  - [What users say about the pros and cons of Calendly vs. Microsoft Bookings](#what-users-say-about-the-pros-and-cons-of-calendly-vs-microsoft-bookings) - [Conclusion: Which tool is right for you?](#conclusion-which-tool-is-right-for-you) - [FAQs](#faqs) Talk to a Capterra advisor for free and get results within 15 minutes. 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